Also known as Alpine-Scabious · Yellow Swanseed
Cephalaria alpina, the Yellow Cephalaria, is a striking perennial with tall stems topped by showy, creamy yellow flower heads, blooming mid to late summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; tolerates heat if well-watered.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings for established plants.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage a second bloom and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges.
This removes dead foliage and promotes vigorous new shoots.
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully lift and divide established clumps, ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots. Alternatively, sow seeds in autumn or early spring in a cold frame.
Established plants are best left undisturbed. If repotting is necessary, typically for container-grown specimens, do so in early spring.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Yellow Cephalaria (Cephalaria alpina)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Cephalaria |
| Species | Cephalaria alpina |
Similar in genus Cephalaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
